SUBSCRIPTIONS

ABOUT

Diversity celebrated at pre-session reception

1/14/2014

By

The Colorado Statesman

Members of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus and the Colorado Democratic Latin@ Caucus had a lot to be proud of when they gathered Jan. 7 for their second annual “Celebrating Diversity” reception before the start of the legislative session. State Rep. Rhonda Fields, D-Denver, had just been chosen as Speaker Pro Tem and her leadership post is one of several held by members of each caucus, putting the Colorado legislature on the map for its diverse delegation.

Rep. Joe Salazar, D-Thornton, co-chair of the Democratic Latin@ Caucus along with Sen. Jesse Ulibarri, D-Adams County, welcomed guests to the Colorado History Museum and proudly cited past accomplishments of the combined caucuses, which this year have five African American members and 13 Latinos.

Salazar saluted his colleagues for last year passing the ASSET bill, civil unions, the Anti-discrimination Remedies Act, drivers licenses, breakfast after the bell, and other measures that benefitted their caucuses.

Their 2014 legislative agenda will focus on bills that highlight economic well-being and prosperity, economic parity, education, fire and flood recovery, among others. But Salazar said they also hope to participate in conversations early on and not after decisions have been made. Fortunately, Salazar said, “When we said please include us before you move forward on bills, they responded.

“We will support legislation that opposes what is a detriment to our communities,” he added.

State Rep. Angela Williams, D-Denver, is the chair of the Black Democratic Legislative Caucus and Rep. Jovan Melton, D-Aurora, is vice chair.

Ryan Ross, Dean of Student Development and Retention Services at Community College of Denver, left, talks with House Speaker Mark Ferrandino, D-Denver, and Denver District 8 City Councilman Albus Brooks during the second annual Diversity Reception.

Elbra Wedgeworth, chief government and community relations officer at Denver Health, and Steve Summer, president and CEO of the Colorado Health and Hospital Association share a pose..